Welcome, 77 artists, 40 different points of Attica welcomes you by singing Erotokritos an epic romance written at 1713 by Vitsentzos Kornaros

Friday, March 23, 2018

When Noule Depe started going to watch her favourite Greek football team play in 1954, she was, as a woman at a live match, a rarity. Now, more than six decades later, her loyalty is set to be rewarded.

The Macedonian and Greek foreign ministers say the two countries have entered into “essential” negotiations to resolve a decades-long dispute over the former Yugoslav republic's name. Nikola Dimitrov and Nikos Kotzias said Friday in the Macedonian capital Skopje that a solution was needed as an ...

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias says he and his Macedonian counterpart made progress toward reaching a settlement in the decades-old dispute over the name of the former Yugoslav republic. "Today, we made steps to solve the problems we inherited ...

[Santorini, Greece] * EVEN THE MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS HAVE SOME POINTS DURING THE YEAR WHEN IT'S AT ITS CHEAPEST PRICES. * TO SAVE OVER 50% OFF THE NORMAL COST, VISIT ST. BARTS DURING THE SECOND HALF OF OCTOBER. * IF YOU WANT A DREAM VACATION TO THE TURKS AND CAICOS, BOOK YOUR TRIP FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF OCTOBER. ------------------------- Pack your bags! TripAdvisor Rentals rounded up 10 top travel locales — from Dubai to St. Martin — and identified the most affordable times to visit. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Ashraf Jandali/Shutterstock Love glitz, glam, and over-the-top luxury? Dubai, AKA the "City of Gold," dazzles with its opulent hotels, grand spas, towering skyscrapers, and mega malls filled with designer outposts. (Not surprisingly, it made our list of the most popular destinations in the Middle East.) But a trip to this posh paradise doesn't have to come with a premium price tag ... that is if you go the second week in February when rates drop by 58%. Adding to its accolades, Dubai is also home to one of the coolest water slides in the world. ST. BARTS Shutterstock/Stacy Funderburke With its sandy beaches, exclusive resorts, and ritzy nightclubs, it's easy to see why St. Barts has long been the island of choice for socialites and celebs. Although it was rocked by Hurricane Irma in fall 2017, recovery efforts are well underway — and it won't be long before sky-high prices and swarms of sun-seekers return. You can save some serious dough (51%) by booking a trip in the back half of October. Warming: It's hurricane season, so be sure to buy travel insurance. Find out your ideal vacation, according to your zodiac sign. CATALINA ISLAND, CALIFORNIA Dale Gast/Shutterstock Despite its proximity to Los Angeles, Catalina Island feels like you've stumbled upon some undiscovered gem. Its romantic ambiance and unspoiled wilderness (88% is a protected nature preserve) make it a glorious weekend getaway. Summer sees an influx of tourists, which is fine, although if you're looking for a more secluded escape, consider the off-season. There are fewer crowds and costs drop significantly (46%) in January and February. Don't miss these secret island escapes around the globe. SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * What to order at Chick-fil-A, based on your diet * Disneyland just announced a new Marvel land coming in 2020 — but some fans are mourning the death of one of their favorite rides because of it * Two easyJet pilots were filmed playing games on Snapchat while 30,000 feet in the air during a flight — and passengers are furious

The Balkan favorite features lamb and Mediterranean-spiced beef on a flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki, and GREEK seasoning. This limited-time item is now back on Arby's menus for $3.99. In more exciting news, they're also offering a less traditional dish: Gyro Loaded Curly Fries, ...

WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Proclamation for GREEK Independence Day during the annual White House Reception for GREEK Independence, Thursday, March 24, 2017, which is now a 31-year-tradition and honored His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America ...

WASHINGTON, DC — AHI Foundation President Constantine Galanis served as one of several Grand Marshals at the Tarpon Springs, Fla., Greek Independence Day parade held March 18, 2018. AHI President Nick Larigakis participated as an Honored Guest of the parade committee. “It was an honor for AHI to be recognized in this esteemed manner by the […] The post AHI Foundation President Serves as Grand Marshal of Tarpon Springs Greek Independence Parade appeared first on Hellenic News of America.

On this celebration of Greek Independence Day, we reflect on the common bonds of history and heritage that connect the United States and Greece. Our nations share cultural, economic, and defense interests, but the foundation of our abiding friendship is our unwavering commitment to liberty and our shared love of democratic institutions. As the cradle […] The post President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 25, 2018, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy appeared first on Hellenic News of America.

GREECE had a couple of good chances in the first half, with Costas Fortounis and Mitroglou who failed to find the target, but the best moment of the first 45 minutes fell to Breel Embolo who capitalized on an error of judgment by Sokratis Papastathopoulos to swing inside the box and hit the outside of the ...

The winning name for the underwater nuclear drone was more conventional – 'Poseidon' after the GREEK god of the sea, drawing criticism from some Russians who complained the name was too foreign. The new nuclear-powered cruise missile, which Putin has boasted could hit almost any point in the ...

Lamda Development is busily working to fulfill all of its obligations regarding a closely watched concession for the Helleniko privatization at the old Athens airport site, according to the Athens-based company's president, Tasos Giannitsis. The former minister and eminent GREEK economist spoke at an ...

It took Ankara several hours to issue its official position about the European Council Conclusions condemning Turkey’s illegal actions in the East Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. Here is the full statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. We regret the wording of yesterday’s European Council Conclusions on Turkey condemning Turkey’s “illegal actions” in the Eastern … The post Turkey’s official position on EU Council Conclusions “forgets” the Greek soldiers appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

The issue of the two Greek soldiers will be raised in the meeting between EU top officials with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Varna on March 26, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday in Brussels. According to media, EU President Donald Tusk and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker have promised to Tsipras to raise … The post Tsipras warns Turkey in the Aegean, says the issue of Greek soldiers will be raised by EU in Varna appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

Extreme weather contrast in Greece: Orange-yellow Sahara dust swallowed Crete, white snow covered the West Macedonia. While in Crete temperatures reached 30 degrees Celsius, in Florina it was ice-cold as if in deep winter. The stark weather contrast between the North and the South are unprecedented in Greece. Florina & surrounding areas Crete Iraklio on … The post Extreme weather contrast: Snow in the North, Sahara Dust in the South appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

I thank my colleague Nikola for the invitation. It is a pleasure for me to be here, in this northern country again, and to have delivered on the promises I have made.We said that, as soon as the name of the airport was changed, we would come to visit your beautiful city, launch the second phase of the stabilization and association agreement between your country and the European Union, and ask for and support your membership in the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region – EUSAIR).I believe strongly in our common future, in our joint cooperation that will benefit our citizens, our countries and the whole region. It is my deep belief that we can resolve the problems -and we should to be able to do this- and we took steps in this direction today. Problems that Nikola and I did not create, but already existed. And we need to resolve these problems because this will enhance the friendship between our peoples, our daily contacts and economic cooperation, the region’s security and stability. This will make it possible for both of us, both states, to contribute to the growth of the whole region’s economy. I believe that overcoming political constraints contributes to economic and social development.I am very pleased that I will be meeting with most of the country’s political leadership. In particular, I want to thank Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev, in advance for giving me the opportunity for what I am sure will be a creative discussion. And I also want to thank Mr. Xhaferi, Mr. Ahmeti and Mr. Mickoski, with whom we will be able to exchange views, and whom we will brief on where we stand.I want to say that the easy thing in politics is to do nothing. In foreign policy in particular – I say this as a professor of International Relations, not just as a Minister – I don’t remember a lot of people complaining about and criticizing a Minister who isn’t doing much and doesn’t solve problems. But then life goes on and imposes its own solutions, and they are very costly. Ministers responsible for foreign policy, within the framework of their government, and on the initiative of their prime ministers, must find solutions. And they need to find solutions that, regardless of one opinion or another, one day or another, eventually help their country in the long run.Greece is currently emerging from its economic crisis. Personally, I believe that, if we are to have the economic growth all of us desire, we need the collaboration of the whole region, we need the whole region to join the international organizations our neighbouring countries want to join. And we believe in honest compromises. In an honest compromise, both sides stand to gain in the long term. In an honest compromise, not a rotten one as I call it, but an honest compromise, both sides will win, no one comes out a loser. But, certainly, in a compromise – and this also applies to Greece, which wants an honest compromise – you cannot get everything you have in mind or you believe in. Realistically and pragmatically, you have to get what is crucial for you, and you have to let what is crucial for the other side. And the main thing is the common interest of your future.I believe firmly in regional stability and security. I believe firmly that our friendly northern neighbour is a country with which our relations, on a state level, must reflect what is actually happening in day-to-day life. We know how many millions of people move between and visit the two countries. We are aware of the satisfaction in which the economy of Northern Greece welcomes the citizens of your country, whether as consumers or tourists or friendly visitors, and vice versa. And I believe that our two peoples are very, very close, and historical heritage keeps them apart. They are close, and we must ensure that the future brings them even closer together. Our states and our peoples will benefit from our joint actions in the future and from our caring for the younger generations throughout the region. Nikola, thank you again for the invitation.JOURNALIST: I would like comments from both Ministers, but they can decide between themselves who will respond. There are two issues here: The proposal from Mr. Nimetz, whether you can say that two drafts instead of two documents, we are now talking about three.N. KOTZIAS: Thank you for the question: the texts are drawn up to clarify the sides’ positions and proposals. Of course, in the end we will come up with a single text. We have agreed to a great extent on what we want for the future, as well as on certain other issues. Mr. Nimetz, will take what we agree on and what we will negotiate with him, in his presence, and set it out as a text for the Security Council and the General Assembly, where it will be determined that the problems referred to in UN Resolutions 817 and 845 were resolved, and thus we can move further ahead. And by further ahead, I mean we will agree on how we can develop our cooperation. Texts are always an aid in negotiations. I firmly believe that, with regard to the issue we are dealing with, face-to-face talks and negotiations are the most important and, in my opinion, most positive thing we can do to date.JOURNALIST: Ministers, I would like to ask if you are willing to move ahead to finding a definitive, clear solution, without pending issues, and what the elements of such a solution might be. Thank you very much.N. KOTZIAS: The journalist asking the question shares the same first name (Nikolas) with us. I want to say that I agree. We need a just, rational solution that not only resolves the problems of the past, but also creates a positive future, rather than ‘investing’ in new frictions in the future. So we want a solution that is stable and opens up paths, and not a solution that creates other problems in the future. Thank you.JOURNALIST: Regarding an agreement that has been ratified in Parliament [...] rendered part of domestic law and order, and has, it could be said, greater weight than the Constitution, if we bear in mind that this agreement will be submitted to the United Nations. Because you are asking for greater guarantees; in other words, that fYROM will implement what is agreed upon between the two countries, given that an international agreement, from a legal standpoint, is stronger.N. KOTZIAS: This question was also put to me by your country in the negotiations, so it is a well founded one. We aren’t asking for additional guarantees. We are simply bearing in mind our experience in the European Union with the rulings of a number of Constitutional Courts that consider their Constitutions to supersede European and international law. This is the tradition of the European Union. I remind you of multiple rulings of Germany’s Constitutional Court, regarding the Treaty of Maastricht and the Treaties of Nice and Lisbon. In other words, the European Union treaties of the past 20 years. This is an issue with regard to the constitutional amendment we are asking for. We’re discussing it. I think we really do need to clarify this, and we’ll see where we get to in the end. I don’t think this is an issue that we can go into here and now, because we are in the midst of negotiations.JOURNALIST: Mr. Kotzias, you talk about an honest solution that will satisfy both sides. What do you see as an honest solution to the problem? If you insist on the amendment of the Constitution, the people here do not see that as honest at all. If you insist on a name combined into a single word, untranslatable, nor is this seen by any of the country’s citizens as honest. Could you perhaps tell us what your honest solution consists of? How you understand it?N. KOTZIAS: Honest, fair and correct. An honest, fair and correct solution is one that takes into account the main interests of each side. And the main interests of each side will be pinpointed in the negotiations we are carrying out and in the result we get. I don’t want to analyse my positions for you right now, in the midst of the negotiations.But some other time, I will give you dozens of examples of how constitutional amendments are made and names are found. This country, like Greece, has made constitutional amendments. There is nothing shameful in this. That is, as a matter of principle – I’m not talking about our talks per se. Laws, constitutions and attitudes change over time. Moreover, as I have pointed out, this country has made two major and five minor amendments. All I’m simply saying is that we shouldn’t make a moral issue out of the question of the amendment. What is specific at this instance is what could enable both sides – not the extremes of the two sides, but the two sides – to feel satisfied, while also laying the path to a common future. A solution that ‘vanquishes’ one side or makes one side foolishly celebrate that it got a lot and gave a little is not a good solution. It isn’t just. It isn’t morally honest.What we are seeking now, from among the various opinions we have, is to find a comprehensive solution that embodies what each side sees as being the most important. Neither side can accept the entirety of the positions of the other, so that is why we are negotiating. Even at home, as couples or with our children, we make compromises. You cannot coexist with someone without making compromises.And there are good, fair compromises, and what I call rotten compromises. It is a rotten compromise if one side subordinates itself or gives in to the other. We have forces in both countries that would like to dictate to the other side how it should behave. That’s not how it works. We want a common future. We want our friendship to grow, with respect for each side. So we have to reach an honest compromise.

… towards bloc members Cyprus and Greece, raising tensions just days ahead … serve the interests of Greece and the Greek Cypriots," foreign ministry … Greece and Cyprus, after Ankara's arrest of two Greek soldiers …

The Greek national team is renowned for hard work, determination and organization, and those traits shine through in a new Nike collection that celebrates the tireless endeavor of one of European football’s great overachievers. Continental champions in ...

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday met with Nicos Christodoulides, the GREEK Cypriot Administration's top diplomat, in Jerusalem. According to a statement issued by Netanyahu's office after the meeting, the two men discussed recent political developments and means of enhancing ...

Remember our post last year about combining learning to freedive and sail off the GREEK coast? Well, EYsailing and Freedive Greece are once again organizing a sailing trip this coming July. During the trip scheduled for July 21-28, guests will learn or improve their freediving technique, sail to a different ...

The suspension of Greece’s Superleague is likely to continue through next week as one of the 16 clubs did not agree with the rule changes proposed by the Greek government. Deputy Sports Minister Giorgos Vasileiadis proposed four new measures to apply for ...

Olympiako Stadio Spyros Louis will host the all-European international friendly as GREECE square off against Switzerland this Friday. And, you can be able to watch GREECE vs Switzerland live stream for free. The home team got knocked out of the World Cup qualification after having a disappointing ...

Greece’s second-largest port has been sold off to a German-led group in a deal with €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion). Friday’s deal is the culmination of the privatization of Thessaloniki port. Greece’s government sold its 67-percent stake to a ...

The GASFF is the brainchild of actor Jim Koutsoukos and actor/director Katerina Kotsonis which began their project in Melbourne in 2010. Initially it started as a platform for local films. However, it soon developed into a programming partner of the national Delphi Bank GREEK Film Festival, and expanded ...

One of the main problems is that the court process is extremely lengthy and often traumatic for the victims, said Nikolaidis who also serves as director of the Department of Mental Health and Social Welfare at the Institute of Child Health in GREECE and scientific director at the day center of the Greek ...

GREECE has reported more progress in talks with Macedonia towards ending their 27-year dispute over the ex-Yugoslav republic's name, which must be resolved if it is eventually to join the European Union and Nato. Athens says the country's use of “Macedonia” implies a territorial claim on a northern ...

Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos revealed that 73 taxpayers numbers owe more than 30 billion euros. In a press conference on Friday, the Greek finance minister said that the majority of debtors to the state “owe 10 euros but 73 taxpayers number owe more than 30 billion. He did not revealed whether these tax office accounts … The post FinMin Tsakalotos: 73 Taxpayers owe more than 30 billion euros appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

Greek authorities have seized 11 kg of heroin hidden in the luggage of a British citizen at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, police said on Friday. Police said the 38-year-old man, who flew to Athens from the Pakistani city of Lahore via Doha, is part of a broader heroin ring trafficking drugs from … The post Greek police arrests British citizen, seizes 11kg of heroin at Athens airport appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

“If a member of the European Union is the victim of armed aggression on its territory, other states have an obligation of aid and assistance by all the means in their power.” So says the mutual defence clause in Article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Terens Quick, is in Dublin today. He will be received by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, who recently concluded a state visit to Greece. He will also meet with his counterpart the Minister of State for the Diaspora, Ciarán Cannon, and the Mayor of Dublin, Mícheál Mac Donncha. Mr. Quick will also meet with the Board of the Greek Community of Dublin and visit the Church of the Annunciation and the Greek school. On 25 March, Mr. Quick will travel on to London, at the invitation of the National Federation of Cypriots of the United Kingdom, to participate as a keynote speaker in the Federation’s annual celebration of Greek and Cypriot national anniversaries. More specifically, in London, on 25 March, Mr. Quick will be attending the Divine Liturgy and Doxology marking Greek Independence Day, which will be held at Cathedral of the Divine Wisdom, with the Archbishop of Thyateira officiating, and on the evening of the same day he will attend the celebration being held by the National Federation of Cypriots. On 26 March, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will have a number of bilateral meetings, including with Lord Callanan, the UK Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union. Finally, he will visit the Greek junior and senior high school of London and will attend an Independence-Day reception being held for members of Greek community organizations and representatives of professional and scientific organizations in the UK.

Greek police have arrested a 38-year-old British man on suspicion of belonging to an international drug smuggling ring after allegedly finding him with a large quantity of heroin hidden in his suitcase

GREEK Week activities became hard to avoid during the annual dodgeball tournament. The 10 teams were made from the five teams that have been competing throughout GREEK Week. Sigma Sigma Sigma, Kappa Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta made up the two teams Sigma-A and Sigma-B. Phi Mu, Delta Tau ...

… . Photo: EPA-EFE / GEORGI LICOVSKI Greece and Macedonia are optimistic about … out the differences between the Greek and the Macedonian draft agreements … result of the unresolved dispute, Greece blocked Macedonia’s NATO membership …

Filiki Eteria (Φιλική Εταιρία) — or the Society of Friends — played a crucial role in the uprising which led to Greece’s War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821. In the beginning of the 19th century the notion ...

SWITZERLAND are preparing for the 2018 World Cup with two international fixtures in March. They first travel to Greece before taking on Panama in the second game. Switzerland controversially saw off Northern Ireland in the play-off The Swiss qualified in ...

The EU-funded accommodation scheme did not exist when Ali and Habibala arrived in GREECE in 2008. As youngsters, they were taken to Anogia, the first shelter for unaccompanied children in Crete which opened in 2001. Now, they are involved in every step of the process to welcome asylum seekers, ...

... and the Greek government is pressing for their return. The rebuke from Brussels is part of a wider criticism of Turkish policies deemed to be aggressive in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkish warships are hindering international gas prospecting off Cyprus, and sending out what GREECE calls aggressive ...

GREEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras talks to media arrives at a European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium, March 22, 2018. ... ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece will continue its bilateral efforts to secure the release of two GREEK soldiers detained in Turkey but is also counting on the support of its ...

The fourth point is in regards to the restructuring of the judicial in sport, which would include acceptance of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the process as a point of appeal. Currently, there is a GREEK court of arbitration. PAOK have responded and signed up to the changes, but on the form to do ...

WASHINGTON: President Donald J. Trump Proclaims March 25, 2018, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. Follows the […] The post Pres. Trump Proclaims March 25, 2018, as Greek Independence Day appeared first on The National Herald.

Greece’s lawmakers approved the bill introducing new penalty fines for traffic code offenders and thus according to income criteria. Those with low and medium income will pay less but those with annual income of more than 50,000 euros will pay more. The new fines are reduced at 40 percent when compared to current situation and … The post New Traffic Violations Bill sets fines according to income criteria appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

A Syrian refugee set himself on fire in the hotspot of Moria on the island of Lesvos on Thursday. The 26-year-old man poured an inflammable liquid over his body and set himself on fire. He was transferred to the hospital of the island where he has been treated. He suffered burn injuries on several parts … The post Young Syrian refugee sets himself on fire in Moria hotspot appeared first on Keep Talking Greece.

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's prime minister said on Friday that Athens would continue bilateral efforts to resolve the issue of two Greek soldiers detained in Turkey but also depended on its EU partners for their support. The two soldiers were detained this ...

You can expect headlines from the March For Our Lives demonstrations on Saturday, the Stormy Daniels interview on Sunday and the upset-filled NCAA men’s basketball tournament through the weekend. Congratulations, Florida State fans. March For Our Lives ...